What do you do when the school bans the local advocate from attending all the IEP’s?
cece asked:
The school is cutting IEP’s and now when a group of us are trying to help our children by getting an advocate the school files a complaint against her with outrageous lies to prevent her from attending all the IEP’s.
Reverse Phone Detective
A parent has a right to invite whomever they want to a case conference. The parent should file a formal complaint with the dept of ed stating that procedural safeguards have been violated.
You might also contact your state protection and advocacy agency and PTI. You can find your state resource sheet here:
However, if the school is THAT hostile towards the advocate, you might consider an equally effective one that has a better rapport with the school.
The parent has the right to have whomever he or she wants at the meeting. I would ask that all meetings be tape recorded with a copy of the tape going to each party. That should cut down on the outrageous lies. I would be interested in knowing what kinds of things they are accusing the advocate of.
At each IEP you should be offer a document that lists the student and parents rights. Read it carefully and see what recourse you have.
I don’t think they can legally do this as you can invite anyone you want to your ARD. I agree with one person who answered that if your advocate has a hostile relationship with the school district, you may want to find someone who isn’t. However, in my case, I need a pit bull to take on our special education director who happens to attend all our ARDs. We already had an adversial relationship with the district and unfortunately it was the only way for us to get them to take action. I needed someone who was not intimidated by her, and they have a negative history together. I don’t regret our decision. So you have to weigh the risks and benefits to your individual case.
You have to be in Wisconsin! My friend is going thru the EXACT same thing right now. I’m shocked that the schools can get away with this. My suggestion is to involve the media. Keep calling and sending letters until you can get someone to listen. The more media attention, perhaps a local attorney will take the case for all you.
Good luck!
In order
Remind them of federal law statutes that allow parents to bring people that they desire to meeting. Ask for prior written notice stating that specific person is not allowed. You should already have all these documents, everything should be written at all times, never take their verbal word. Keep it all in a three-ring binder.
Call director of special ed for your school district
Call state dept of ed office of complaints as well as special services
Call an attorney and go to due process
You need to be sure the lies aren’t able to be substantiated. Call your local Center for Independent Living as they may have another advocate you can use. I would say if your school wont deal with this person and give a real reason as to why go up the chain. This means Superintendent, school board, head of the school board, State Dept of Education and Special Education. Keep at it as they will back down once they see you all mean business.